Five University of Manitoba students are braving the mild elements and sleeping outside for five consecutive days. The Asper School of Business students want to help raise awareness and collect donations for Winnipeg’s homeless.
5 Days for the Homeless — a national charity campaign to help draw attention to homelessness — began Sunday. The idea was created by the University of Alberta in 2005.
This year, 15 universities from across Canada will be participating.
“Given the prevalence of homelessness in this city, I think people tend to make assumptions about the people it involves. Sometimes I’m guilty of this too. This is an amazing opportunity to begin to develop a greater understanding and form a new and honest perspective,” said student and participant Kayla Wai.
Asper students Mike Gould, Caitlin Thompson, Emina Tankovic, Kayla Wai and Zachary Derksen (above) chose to donate to Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY), a community-based social service organization in Winnipeg committed to helping at-risk youth and young adults. Last year, $13,000 was raised by U of M students for RaY.
You can drop by to see the students in front of University Centre until 5 p.m. on Friday, March 19. They aren’t allowed to use showers, will not have an income, and must attend all classes. All food must be received through direct donation only.
You can follow their experiences on their blog: 5days.ca/Winnipeg.
Image credit: 5Days.ca
